Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors cite lack of notice and worry about traffic, character and safety at proposed learning center
Summary
Residents told the commission they learned of the site plan via social media, expressed concerns about neighborhood character, potential overflow parking and public safety, and asked for more transparency before the commission acts.
Several residents spoke to commissioners during the public-comment portion of the meeting, asking for more notice and raising concerns about traffic, neighborhood character and occupant safety at a proposed faith-based learning center at 1030 North Murphy Road.
Homeowner Kristen Bewley said she discovered the proposal on a local Facebook group and that adding 21 parking spaces at the site would change the neighborhood’s character and could enable future expansion. “I think no plans for expansion today, but once you set a precedent … it changes the character of that neighborhood,” Bewley said. Registered interior designer Jenny Harden warned commissioners that A3 occupancy rules apply to religious assembly and cited an occupant-load calculation relevant to the house’s layout.
Owner Mohammed Khan and the applicant’s representative, Rehan Bhati, responded to concerns by describing limited enrollment-based sessions and saying they planned to obtain whatever permits are required if the site’s use changes. Commissioners said they wanted written input from the fire marshal and building official before taking final action and ultimately remanded the item to staff for clarification and a February 5 return.
